Arrested Again for Feeding the Homeless

[Political_Junkie]

Fellow DUers, I know this topic has already been discussed, but I would ask for help and advice from those of you here at DU.
Please check out this site for background info:

http://tampaindymedia.org/bin/site/templates/default.asp?area_2=imc/open%20newswire/2004/Mar/53280.1328125.dat

The young man in the pictures being dragged to the cruiser is my nephew Jimmy. He is quoted in the article as saying, "How far am I willing to go? It won't stop until either; one, the cops give up and don't show up anymore; two, they drop the charges and the law is changed; or three, I go to jail permanently." This is exactly what they are threatening to do. He was arrested again yesterday and the judge told him not to return to the park or he would be facing jail time.

Now before anyone says it, don't tell me to ask him to back down, he won't. I know this kid, he has the spirit of a Gandhi, I know that sounds like an exaggeration, but it's not. I may be his aunt, but I'm telling you, I've never met anyone like him. As much as I love my own son, I wouldn't even describe him in this way.

What I want to know is how to bring this issue to the attention of more Americans to give it as much exposure as possible. I think if the voices grow loud enough we can make these people change this silly law. I also would ask those who live in Florida to do whatever you can as citizens of that state, whether it be talking to your congressmen or just spreading the word.

Thanks in advance for your help.

[MsUnderstood]

1. Why don't they get a permit to serve food

I understand the motives, but why not work within the confines of the law?

[theoceansnerves]

4. it's my understanding

you can't just serve food, you have to sell it. you can't just give it away, which is what they want to do.

[Fla_Democrat]

9. Then sell it for a penny

and give a 5 cent rebate.

Does the law specify how much must be charged, (fair market value) or is it open?

[Political_Junkie]

10. now, there's an idea!

I'll mention that to him in my next e-mail.

[theoceansnerves]

11. read the article please

"The permit also requires that groups obtain liability insurance to protect themselves and the city from lawsuits by the homeless."

[Political_Junkie]

5. because there is no reason for this law to exist.

Why is it against the law to give away free food? This only serves those who are making money selling food there. So to help the vendors out they make it illegal to give the stuff away!

[progressiveBadger]

2. GO JIMMY!

What a wonderful world this could be with more people like him in it.

[theoceansnerves]

3. how can you be arrested for trespassing

in a public park?!

[Political_Junkie]

6. Yeah, is that not a trumped up charge to beat all.

n/t

[Dirty Hippie]

7. Let me say something about the homeless

Particularly homeless vets.

I experienced a great tragedy in my life, very traumatic to the point I suffer flashbacks. For months I had great difficulty integrating back into society.

I now understand how PTSD could definitely led to homelessness. I could hardly stand to go to the grocery store. People, just their mere presence, aggravated me and upset me. I felt completely isolated and unable to interact properly.

I'm just now, after many months, feeling a bit like my old self.

My point: Anyone who has experienced the horrors of war is, in my opinion, at great risk for homelessness. Expecting them to just "get a job" is unrealistic. There are not nearly enough psychiatric services available to "cure" these people.

My experience was just an inkling but it opened my eyes...big time.

God bless your nephew.

[Political_Junkie]

8. Thank you

and I agree with your assesment completely from experience I have with working with the homeless. These people are sent to war and then cast aside and expected to function in normal society again with no help.

[freetobegay]

12. Wrap the food in paper that has the constitution...

& the Bill of rights ont it. That ought to get the National media whores on it!

[Political_Junkie]

13. Oh! That's a great idea!

Sorry I took so long to respond, but I will surely pass this one on.
Thanks again!

[JCMach1]

14. Don't actually give them the food... sit it on the ground and let them

take it...

Also, if the judge said not in the park... try the sidewalk next to the park...

Wrapping it in the constitution was a good idea too. Also, you might add some American Flag napkins to the deliveries.

[Pallas180]

15. E mail or call Keith Oberman on MSNBC, it's his kind of story definitely

I'd put out a press release to all the stations and newspapers across
the nation.

go to Drudgereport and you can get a list of newspapers, reporters and so on. Then divide up the list, get your girlfriends and family
to help make the calls ---if you have a fax machine among you write the story up and fax it out to the : News desk.

It's gonna be work, but if you can get the publicity, it'll make an
uproar and put the spotlight on the judge and that town. Use the judge's name and the town's name, for sure!!

good luck.

[SlavesandBulldozers]

16. write the Nation thru this link

http://www.thenation.com/contact/lett

they will love to hear from you.

also, i'm sure the ACLU would love to hear from you as well.

Write a list of the places police get free coffee and send it to the local newspaper.

also, i would caution your nephew from becoming over-zealous in the face of the power of the police. it can become intoxicating just saying "f-off police!" remind him that the purpose of what he's doing is to feed the poor and not to "fight the power" as it were. In other words, Gandhi didn't fight the power for the fight's sake, he did it for a reason. have him think of ways to do this that doesn't play into the hands of the powers that be, because most of the cops have nothing more to do with their time than to fuck with people like your nephew, not to mention the homeless.